"It's not easy. You know, you work graveyards, you work long hours," says Executive Assistance Chief of Police, Zina Silva. "It's difficult. It's very hard on relationships."

To protect, honor and serve takes sacrifice.

To 62-year-old Chief Silva, the sacrifice is worth it.

She is the highest ranking female in the El Paso Police Department.

Chief Silva says, "It was such an amazing and unexpected recognition of my work here."

KVIA.COM